Pygmy Pink
Saponaria pumilio
- Native to:
- Lebanon-Syria, Türkiye
Josef F. Stuefer,Dalla Torre, K. W. von; Deutscher Alpenverein (Founded 1874); Hartinger, Anton,Graf, Ferdinand; Petrasch, Joh.; Seboth, Joseph,Liuthalas,Internet Archive Book Images (www.flickr.com),Jacquin, Nikolaus Joseph, Freiherr von; Scheidl, Franz Anton v; Kaliwoda,Leopoldi Joannis; Gerold, Josephi Michaelis,Jacquin, Nikolaus Joseph, Freiherr von; Scheidl, Franz Anton v; Kaliwoda,Leopoldi Joannis; Gerold, Josephi Michaelis,Jacquin, Nikolaus Joseph, Freiherr von; Scheidl, Franz Anton v; Kaliwoda,Leopoldi Joannis; Gerold, Josephi Michaelis,Anton Hartinger,Tangopaso,Tangopaso,Aaroniemma
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Caryophyllaceae
- Genus:
- Saponaria
- Species:
- Saponaria pumilio
- USDA Symbol:
- SAPU13
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 5 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- Medium
- Bloom Months:
- jun,jul,aug
- Bloom Colors:
- pink, rose
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, butterflies
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- rocky, well-drained, calcareous soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- native to alpine regions, prefers rocky slopes
Propagation & Germination
- Stratification:
- Cold/moist stratification required — 30–60 days
- Germination Time:
- 14–42 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate best with light exposure and cool temperatures after cold stratification.
The above propagation data sourced from Claude AI
ORGHPS Germination Guide: Sow @ 20C 6 wks then 4C 6 wks then slowly raise to 10C 6 wks. Repeat if no germination.